The Cincinnati Bengals have been one of the most disappointing teams in the NFL this season, but there is still a glimmer of hope that Cincinnati can make the playoffs.
The Bengals are currently sitting with a 6-8 record and in the No. 10 spot in the AFC playoff picture. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Bengals have to defeat their three remaining opponents to even have a shot at making the postseason.
But they also need help. Cincinnati needs the Denver Broncos to lose their last two games, something the Bengals could have a hand in with the Broncos and Bengals meeting in Week 17.
On top of that, the Bengals also need the Miami Dolphins and Indianapolis Colts to lose one of their final three contests. That's because both teams hold the conference record tiebreaker over Cincy.
The Broncos lost on Thursday night, and after their game against the Bengals in Week 17, Denver has the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 18. The Bengals will hope Kanas City doesn't clinch the No. 1 seed before then because that could lead to Kansas City sitting its starters for that contest.
After facing the Cleveland Browns and Broncos over the next two games, the Bengals close out their season against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Dolphins have the San Francisco 49ers, Browns and New York Jets over the last three weeks. The Colts have the Tennessee Titans, New York Giants and Jacksonville Jaguars remaining.
With the Bengals needing so much to go right, it remains unlikely that they're going to sneak their way into the playoffs. But, hey, at least there's a chance.
The Bengals will begin their quest for an improbable playoff berth with a Week 16 matchup against the Browns on Sunday.
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